Insight from a Friend

Hi Ladies!

I have a good friend, Libby, who shared with me an insight she had with regard to the endeavor we have undertaken this year in memorizing Scripture, and below is the result of her efforts.  I enjoyed her perspective and I hope you will, too.

I love the many pictures and descriptions that we are given in the Bible of the Bible.  It is like the different authors are diving into their experience searching for ways to reveal more of what God’s Word truly is. We see lamps (Ps 119:105), swords (Eph 6:17, Heb 4:12), fire, hammers (Jer 23:29), mirrors (James 1:23), the breath of God (2 Tim 3:16), and spiritual bread (Mt 4:4), just to name a few.

And, what is fun is that right here, in our blog community, we are saying the same things! We may not use the same imagery, but as we share our verses, we get glimpses of the different facets of God’s Word playing out in our lives.  In various seasons and times, we need – sometimes desperately – for God’s Word to be uniquely suited for our moment. We may need encouragement, hope, companionship, direction, wisdom, a song, or a lament.  There are times we may not even know what we need, we simply search the pages and cry out for God to speak to us.  And the amazing thing is that God, through His Word, meets us where we are! 

I think that is part of what Jesus meant in Matthew 4:4 when He describes God’s Word as our food, our sustenance. He is saying that our spiritual nourishment is as important as our physical nourishment. And remember, this is coming from a guy who just went 40 days without food! We “should not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” What a wonderful illustration – living off the very word of God. As you take in your verses, look around and note what others are partaking of in the feast that is before you. Taste and see the Lord is good!

My verse for this month is: 

Psalm 78:72 (NIV)

 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.

I chose this verse because I pray that all of us would lead those whom God has entrusted to us in this way - hearts of integrity and skilled hands.

He has Risen! Jesus is Alive!

The Easter Season was full of emotion for me this year. The truth that Christ has Risen has had a different impact in my heart and mind this past week. A dear woman in my life, Judy Beasley, lost her battle with cancer last Tuesday.  Tears still fill my eyes as I think about it.

I first met Judy when I was 16 years old. Back then I was an angry, selfish teenager who was far from living life God's way. Meeting me today you would never believe the kind of words that used to come out of my mouth or the friends I used to hang out with on Saturday nights. I think my big sister, Elizabeth, was trying to steer me in a new direction when she asked me to fly with her down to Sarasota, FL to surprise her fiancé, Bob Beasley. Elizabeth and Bob were college sweethearts, and were getting married in a few months. He graduated a semester early and moved to Florida for a job and to be near his parents. The few months of separation were difficult for them, so she was eager to see him. I was just along for a fun time at the beach. 

We stayed at Bob’s parent’s house, Big Bob and Judy Beasley.  At first I was hesitant in relating with them, because I knew they were Christians just like Bob. My sister had already become a Christian, and I was not very happy about it. My guard was up and my heart was hard. But the unexpected happened. The whole trip Judy loved on me and accepted me right where I was. She never corrected my language or said an unkind word to me. She just served me and talked to me in a way I was not used to. After just a few days her love broke through some of the walls I had up, and for the first time in my life I became curious about the love of God.

My curiosity sent me on a two year journey that ultimately led me to accepting Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. The seeds of love that Judy planted in my heart eventually grew into a new life in Christ. God knew exactly what my 16 year-old-self needed, and he sent Judy Beasley to sow the seeds. How grateful I am for her.

Over the years Judy became like a second mom to me. Her cards and emails brought warmth and encouragement to the many seasons of my life.  My visits to Sarasota were special times and memories I hold close to my heart. Hearing the news last Tuesday that she had gone to be with the Lord was sad and beautiful all at the same time.  I will miss her terribly, yet I know with full confidence that she is in heaven above dancing with Jesus. No more pain. No more cancer.

This Easter I experienced the resurrection in a new way. He has RISEN! Jesus is ALIVE! And because Jesus is alive…Judy is alive.  And because Jesus is alive...one day I will see Judy again in heaven above.  Oh, what a day that will be. 

My next verse reminds me of Judy. She lived out this verse, and it made an eternal impact on my life.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35 (NIV)